Dancing the Light Fantastic by Pete Litwinowicz
The Body in Motion, Reimagined.
Some artists paint with color. Pete Litwinowicz paints with motion.
A dancer, choreographer, filmmaker, and visual-effects software developer (yes — all of that), Pete brings a rare blend of technical mastery and artistic intuition to his work. His installation Dancing the Light Fantastic begins with real, live dancers in motion — then slows their movements down and transforms them, frame by frame, into luminous snowflakes drifting through space.
The result is mesmerizing: the human body abstracted into pattern, rhythm, and light. A quiet spectacle of motion turned into something almost celestial.
“I hope people will experience the beauty of the body in motion,” Pete says. “And appreciate the art of real dancers transformed into graphic representations. By slowing down the dancers with software and turning them into snowflakes, I hope to make the experience magical.”
Bridging Craft and code
It’s a project that bridges craft and code, intuition and engineering — fitting for an artist who describes himself as a “renaissance-type artist/scientist.” And in case that wasn’t enough, Pete also holds both an Academy Award® and a Primetime Emmy® for his groundbreaking visual-effects work.
But what matters most to him? Sharing the art.
“I enjoy sharing my art with others. I also love working at a big scale… the Winter Light Festival satisfies both of those desires!”
Behind the Movement: From Live Dance to Light
In a behind-the-scenes video, Pete walks us through how Dancing the Light Fantastic comes to life — from filming dancers in motion to digitally slowing, reshaping, and transforming their movements into shimmering, snowflake-like forms. It’s a rare look at the intersection of choreography, technology, and visual storytelling, revealing how something deeply human becomes quietly magical when translated into light.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026
This February, festival-goers will step into Pete’s world of choreographed weather and slowed-down wonder at the World Trade Center, showcased upstairs during the first weekend (February 6–7) and returning February 13–14 at a location to be announced soon.
Prepare to feel more than a little spellbound.
A community-powered event
Thanks to support from individuals like you- families, local businesses, art-lovers, community partners and sponsors, the Light Festival exists.
Contributions help:
- Present over 200 FREE light-based art installations and performances citywide
- Support emerging and established artists with stipends and production resources
- Activate public spaces, small businesses and vacant storefronts during winter
- Create inclusive, family-friendly experiences that welcome people of all ages
